Burnout, according to the World Health Organization, is a psychological phenomenon characterized by mental and physical exhaustion, cynicism, depersonalization and reduced efficacy in the workplace. I am here to personally tell you burnout is real – and the recovery is long.
When I started my business a few years ago, which specializes in one-on-one decluttering and organizing services, I would stay up many late nights excitedly planning my next project. I couldn’t believe my luck. I had a dream job, one that required physical and mental stamina, yes – but I loved it. This euphoria lasted for quite a while and the business grew. The person that I was during this time was confident, energized, and had a purpose.
Unfortunately, there came a point where I started to neglect myself and ignore my intuition. The insomnia wasn’t out of excitement anymore, it was stress. I took on projects that didn’t align with my talents and overbooked my schedule. I worried constantly about making a mistake or disappointing a client. I felt as though I was on a treadmill going too fast for my legs. But I just kept running – at the expense of my health and ultimately my business.
I didn’t know the terminology at the time, but I was experiencing burnout. I eventually fell off that metaphoric treadmill. I stopped responding to new client inquiries and the thought of taking on a new project sent me into a panic. I essentially pressed pause on everything – and grieved. I was losing my business and with it my identity. I had become an unrecognizable, burnt-out version of myself.
I wanted to reconnect with the confident, purpose-driven woman that I remembered.
I left organizing and supported myself back in the field of finance for a while – prioritizing a daily walk, reading as much as I could, and rest. Little by little, I layered healthy habits and rebuilt my self-esteem enough to entertain the thought of creative projects again. It has taken an entire year to feel like myself.
And in the process, I have learned to never become so consumed by productivity and extrinsic reward that I forget my purpose. My recovery from burnout involved self-care, setting boundaries and taking a deep dive into what brings me joy. Professionally, I find joy in this blog, entrepreneurship, working in my natural niche, projects that I care about, a set schedule, and collaboration with other organizers. I am so excited to relaunch Home Harmony with Hannah in spring 2025 with a much more holistic approach for both myself and my clients.
For more information on the signs of clinical burnout, check out this video.
